Dating With Diabetes: Confidence, Communication, and Care 

Dating can be exciting, fun, and sometimes stressful. When you live with diabetes, you may have extra thoughts running through your head. When should I tell them? Will they understand? With honesty, planning, and the right support, you can enjoy meaningful and healthy relationships. 

When and How to Share Your Diagnosis 

You are in control of when and how you share your diabetes. Some people share early because diabetes affects daily life. Others wait until trust grows. There is no right or wrong time. When you decide to tell your partner, keep your message simple.  
 
For example, you can say, “So I want to share something with you. I live with diabetes. I help manage the diabetes with food, medicine and checking blood sugar.” 

Helpful tip: Practice what you want to say ahead of time, so you feel more confident during the conversation. 

What Your Partner Should Know About Daily Care 

Your partner does not need to manage your diabetes for you, but it helps if they understand your daily needs. Let them know if you need to eat at regular times, take insulin or pills, or check your blood sugar during a date. You may also want to explain how stress, exercise, and sleep can change your numbers. 

It can help to share what low and high blood sugar feels like for you. Low blood sugar might make you feel grumpy, shaky, sweaty, hungry, or confused. High blood sugar may cause thirst, tiredness, or headaches. This helps your partner notice when you may need support. 

Helpful tip: Whey you are ready, invite your partner to ask questions so you both feel more comfortable. 

Planning Dates with Diabetes in Mind 

You can still enjoy dinners out, movies, long walks, and travel. A little planning makes these moments easier and safer. Bring snacks, water, and your diabetes supplies with you. If you are sharing a more active date like hiking or dancing, check your blood sugar before and after. 

If food is part of a date, looking at the menu ahead of time can help you feel more relaxed and confident in your choices. 

Helpful tip: Keep a small diabetes kit in your bag or car so you always feel prepared. 

What to Do in an Emergency 

Even when diabetes is well managed, emergencies can happen. It is important that your partner knows the signs of low blood sugar. These may include shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion, or trouble speaking. Show them where you keep fast acting sugar, such as juice or glucose tablets. 

If you use emergency medication, it’s important to explain when and how it should be used. Having this conversation builds safety and trust—even if it feels a little awkward at first. For example, glucagon is an emergency medication used to treat severe low blood sugar. Anyone who may need to help should be trained well before it’s ever needed. Glucagon is available as a nasal spray or an injection pen, making it easier for others to administer in an emergency. 

Helpful tip: Go over your emergency plan occasionally so both of you stay confident and prepared. 

Emotional Support and Honest Feelings 

Dating with diabetes is not just about food and medicine. It is also about feelings. Some days you may feel tired, stressed, or overwhelmed. Let your partner know that emotional support matters, too. 

If a date or relationship adds stress to your health, speak up. Your health always comes first. A caring partner will respect your needs and encourage you to take care of yourself. 

Helpful tip: You deserve kindness, patience, and understanding in every relationship. 

Dating While Living with Diabetes for Teens and Young Adults 

Dating can feel extra challenging for teens and young adults living with diabetes. You may worry about fitting in, going out with friends, school events, or explaining your condition to someone new.  

These are all normal thoughts to think! 

Living with diabetes can make you more aware, resilient, and proactive about your health—often more so than someone who doesn’t live with it. When you decide to share what it’s like living with diabetes, keep your explanation simple. Remember that you’ve had time to adjust, and others may need time too. Keep things straightforward, but also understand that someone who cares about you may have questions. 

If you are going to parties, school dances, or group hangouts, make a plan to carry your supplies and let at least one trusted person know about your diabetes. This gives you more freedom to relax and have fun without fear. 

Helpful tip for teens: If dating feels stressful, talk with a parent, caregiver, nurse, or diabetes educator. You do not have to figure it all out alone. 

Diabetes Checklist while Going on a Date 

Here is a simple checklist to help you feel ready and confident before a date:

• Check you blood sugar before you go
• Pack snacks and fast acting sugar
• Bring your medication or insulin
• Carry water
• Bring testing supplies or devices
• Let your date know you may need food breaks or short pauses
• Have an emergency plan just in case 
• Most important, be yourself and enjoy the moment

Enjoying Life and Growing Together 

Diabetes is one part of your life, but it does not define who you are or who you can spend time with. You can still laugh, travel, celebrate, and build memories with someone special. With communication, trust, and a little planning, dating with diabetes can be joyful, meaningful, and full of connection. 

Author: Janet Dominowski, MS, RDN, CDCES | CCS Health       

This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.